Standards by Competency and/or Domain

Explanation of Competency and/or Domain and Reflection of Growth in this Area

Evidence

This standard is simply stating that language skills affect all areas of curriculum including technology, writing, science, reading, math, social studies, and public speaking.  Without proficient language skills, students struggle throughout their educational career and even through adulthood.  Although it is simply stated, the fact that language is a central element in all of education is not a simple concept to teach to parents and to students.  Through the reading of 20 articles and through discussions in a class of 20 students, I have learned that language is the key component to producing successful learners.  Before this course, I did not understand the concept of “Critical Literacy” but as shown in my email correspondence with my professor, I developed a deeper understanding of this concept and how it applied to my students. Children who learn to master language are empowered to be life long learners and are successful in school. 

Email correspondence with Dr. Hirtle: Critical Literacy

This standard calls us to be understanding and appreciative of diversity in language.  Whether it is in style of writing, in dialect, in printed format, in poetry, in cultural background, or in dramatic play.  Language is a tool for people to express their ideas, thoughts, and feelings with others.  I have grown a great deal in this area and have developed an appreciation for the diversity of language.  Several of my links show evidence of this growth but most clear is the fact that in the past two months I have purchased several multicultural books, poetry books and noticed my understanding of different cultures in working with others.  These are intangibles but are proof of change in action. 

Evidence:   Response to Article #2:  Session 4 [Part]:  Drawing and Writing Metacognition

This standard expresses the need for teachers to understand the reading process and development.  Teachers must recognize how students learn differently and how to approach reading problems.  Teachers need to understand how to help students overcome reading difficulties and how to assess for these findings.  I have grown a great deal in this category also. I believe I have a deeper understanding of reading problems and ways to address these issues.  I believe my approach to assess these matters may now be different.  There are so many different components of the reading process and all students have strengths and weaknesses.  My Case Study is evidence of growth and understanding in specific reading problems.  Some of the articles I read gave me deeper understanding of the process of reading development and the appreciation of language.

Evidence:  Response to Article #2 : Session 5 [Part]:  Mining for Gems

This standard expresses that reading professionals need to create the proper environment for learning, understand the components of reading and language development, and know how to assess these elements.  My growth is best shown through my class discussions with peers. I also have grown in the concept of self assessment.  I have even developed my own writing rubric.

Primary Trait Scoring Guide

This final standard suggests that teachers must have a professional network of fellow educators.  Teachers need to get involved in groups that can challenge them in their abilities to communicate on education and that can be sounding boards for educational ideas.  Having a supportive group of educators can empower teachers to reach beyond their comfort zones and can facilitate in Action Research projects.  My growth in this area can be seen in my new membership to Listserv and NCTE.  I have actively participated in both groups and have assimilated the need for a professional community.